JOE SILVA GREW UP IN TRAS-OS-MONTES – Centenarian is the oldest member of the Portuguese Club of Waterbury
On Tuesday, when the calendar marked September 29th, the number one partner of the Portuguese Club of Waterbury in Connecticut, completed a century of life. The luso-descendent
Joe Silva, who spent a large part of his childhood and adolescence in Tras-os-Montes, the land of his parents, already lived 36,518 days, 876,432 hours and 52,585,920 minutes.
The veteran of the Second World War was born in Erie, in the state of Pennsylvania, he is the son of Abílio Silva, immigrant of Carrazedo da Cabugueira, Bragado parish, municipality of Vila Pouca de Aguiar and Aurora Silva, born in Chaves. “My grandparents immigrated to the United States around 1916, directly to New Bedford, Massachusetts, where he had family.” States Edward Silva, one of two sons of the 100 year-old, in an interview with the Luso-Americano newspaper. “My dad ended up being born in Pennsylvania because of work related reasons tied to my grandfather Abílio job, who was born in Portugal in 1886.
When Joe was five-years old, the Silva family returned to Portugal, “escaping the bad economic situation in America” Edward adds. “My grandparents noticed that in Tras-os-Montes there were not many opportunities but at least they would have food…”
In Portugal, Joe Silva met his future wife, Laura. Laura was born in New Bedford, MA and she also returned to live in her parent’s native land (Tras-os-Montes). In 1946, Joe and Laura got married in Cambridge, MA, with that, they are preparing to celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary. “My mom turns 98 years-old this Friday” Edward Silva says.
Joe Silva, has lived in Waterbury since he got married in 1946. His first professional occupation was of a soldier and he retired at the age of 63 – in 1993 – as a carpenter.
The luso-descendent, like his now deceased brother, dedicated some years of his life to military service, enlisting in 1942 in the U.S. Marines. His devotion to patriotism lead him to the Pacific ocean during the Second World War “where he participated in seven battles and survived all of them” – his son Edward affirms. “He was in the allied forces who occupied Tokyo”.
The war hero is a recipient of multiple honors, including the Waterbury Service Medal, given to him in 2019 by municipal authorities.
The Silva couple, who have two sons – Edward, 72 and Joseph, 73 – continue to live in their own home “they live almost a fully independent life” said Edward Silva. “They cook but now we have to handle the groceries”.
According to the son, his parents have good health – “except for the fragilities imposed by age, for example their hearing problems”.
Joe and Laura are conscious of the problematic COVID-19 and the family attempts to keep them at home, distant from visitors.
Their two sons took the couple to Portugal in 1995 – “It was the last time they were there. My parents always had a lot of work ethic and were focused on family. They came with a letter of invitation by many people in Portugal. They live simply and do not value material things.”
The reason for their longevity? “We do not know, my grandparents passed away around 80 years old; my dad stopped smoking when he left the army and his diet helps as well. They eat like they are in Tras-os-Montes”.
Edward pauses and says “I think we are very blessed”.
The almost one-hundred-year-old became a member of the Portuguese Club in Waterbury in 1946. He occupied various positions like director, secretary, and treasure – but he never wanted the position of president. He had a prominent role in the transition of the social headquarters from Pemberton Street to the actual installations at Baldwin Street. He even got to be “Mayor for a day” on June 10th.
